White House awards California after-school program,Youth Radio

First Lady Michelle Obama personally handed members of an Oakland-based after-school program called Youth Radio an award on Monday, and the event was livestreamed from Washington, D.C., right to the radio station in Oakland.

Those who didn’t attend the White House event gathered at Youth Radio on Broadway to watch their colleagues and friends win the prestigious National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award.

Youth Radio, which trains hundreds of young people each year in radio journalism, music production, and youth advocacy, was one of 12 programs recognized. High school senior Shyra Gums and Youth Radio Senior Producer Nishat Kurwa traveled to the White House to accept the award.
Michelle Obama told the honorees the work they do is critical and she urged them to pass it on. “Find someone in your life you are going to mentor,” Obama said.

The folks at Youth Radio said they are thrilled.

“It’s a huge honor,” Community Arts Director Maeven McGovern told NBC Bay Area. “It’s definitely an inspiration to continue to expand on our arts programming and create opportunities for young people who match their promise.”